What's up readers! Sorry for such a long waiting gap, but real life has many problems. Anyhow, on with the story!

Chapter 9:

Turbulence

(Kaze's apartment):

The young adult was sat at the dining table, listening to the news as he ate. The presenter was talking about how the 'mother ghoul', aka Ryoko had supposedly been terminated by the CCG, who were now hunting for the daughter and requesting the public to give any information they may have.

'What a load of crap,' he thought bitterly, glancing at the TV from the corner of his eye. 'This has Mado written all over it.' There was nothing the young investigator could do about it either, especially since Kureo Mado had a higher rank than he did. Releasing a sigh, he stood up and made his way over to the sink. The most he could do was probably tell Yamato and hope he knew Ryoko's daughter or some other close associate.

(Anteiku):

Kaneki, along with the other staff, listened in shock to the news presented Ryoko's supposed execution. A heavy silence had once again smothered them, the air tense. The only possible saving grace was that Hinami wasn't there to hear it.

'What's going on?' the black-haired half ghoul thought in panic. 'Wasn't she under Kurokumo-san's protection? Did something happen? Did they force him to hand Ryoko-san over?'

Touka on the other hand took a far more vocal approach. "I knew it," she snarled dangerously. "I knew we couldn't trust those doves."

"Touka-chan," Kaneki called hesitantly. "I don't think we should jump to conclusions. Maybe-"

"Shut up Kaneki you idiot!" the teenage ghoul snapped. "Do you really think that the CCG would allow a ghoul to just live amongst them?!"

Kaneki's uncovered eye widened in alarm and slight fear. "But, Yamato said… that Kurokum-san is already looking after another ghoul…"

The blue-haired girl continued glaring at him. "Well maybe his superiors changed their minds!"

"Enough," said Yoshimura in a steady yet firm voice. Satisfied that he had everyone's attention, he spoke further. "Touka-chan, just like Kaneki-kun said, we can't jump to conclusions yet. I will try to contact Yamato and ask him if he can find anything out." Touka looked like she wanted to complain, but kept her mouth closed. "Now, let us go back to work."

(CCG HQ: Marude's office):

Kaze idly noted that he seemed to be spending a lot of time in his director's office lately. As for Marude himself, the man looked disgruntled and somewhat weary. Despite that, he maintained an air of professionalism as he regarded the young agent.

"Kurokumo. How are you after yesterday's… incident?" the man inquired.

The chocolate-haired youth kept his features neutral. "I'm fine sir. Fortunately, I was unharmed thanks to Dragon's help."

Marude shifted, but his face gave nothing away. "I see… How are the two ghouls under your watch?"

"They're both fine. No troublesome behaviour from either of them."

"Good to hear," Marude nodded. Finally, he let out a small sigh. "Kurokumo… you can take some time off if you wish. It's only understandable considering the attempt on your life."

Kaze allowed a small smile of appreciation to form. "Thank you sir, but I'm fine. Although, if it's possible, I'd like to take both of the ghouls out for a walk around sometime in the near future, similar to what I did previously."

"I'll consider it. However, it won't be before Mado completes what he's doing at the moment, not with the mother ghoul anyway."

The teen bit back a remark. "Right… Is that all sir?"

His superior casually waved him off. "Yes, you are dismissed. You may return to your office."

(Elsewhere in the 20th ward):

Yamato was walking along quietly, a troubled expression on his face. He'd heard the news announcement. He had full trust in Kaze that he'd keep Ryoko safe, but that didn't stop the anxiety gnawing away at his stomach. Unfortunately, he knew that his best friend could be overruled by the higher ups, and if he was then he'd have no choice but to relinquish his protection over Ryoko.

Just then, his phone started to ring. The caller ID showed that it was Yoshimura. Coming to a stop, he leaned against a wall and answered. "Hello? Something you need Yoshimura-san?"

"Yamato-kun," came the elder ghoul's disembodied voice. "Would you be able to do me a favour?"

The redhead shifted into a more comfortable position. "Is this about what was on the news this morning?" He heard a pained breath from the other end.

"Yes. I'm sure you understand why," said Yoshimura. "Touka seems to have taken it the worst. I fear she may do something rash."

"Understood. To be honest, I was planning on asking Kaze about this myself."

"Thank you. Goodbye Yamato-kun." The phone bleeped a second later, signifying the end of the call.

Yamato opened his contacts, searching for a certain number.

(CCG HQ: Kaze's office):

The young investigator's hazel eyes were focused on his current batch of paperwork. Suddenly, his phone received a notification. Setting his pen down, he picked the device up. It was a message from Rin, inviting him to a private group chat, aptly called "The Feeding Plan". He accepted and was met by another message:

Hey Kaze, good to see you've joined. I'm gonna send Yamato an invite too later.

I'm in the process of contacting some universities and colleges. I think Kamii university may give a response soon. In the case that they agree to hear us out, I think we should try as much as possible to leave no trace of your involvement. I don't think that it's a good idea to push anything with you still on probation.

Let me know if anything new pops up. :)

A small chuckle escaped Kaze's lips. It was good to know that he could count on Rin. Just then, his phone began to ring, displaying Yamato's number. He accepted it almost without a thought.

"Hey buddy," Yamato greeted from wherever he was. "How are you holding up?"

"Surviving," Kaze replied, leaning back into his seat. "I'm guessing that there's something you want to know?"

"Yeah. You heard the news today right? About the mother ghoul?"

"Was hard not to. Don't worry, Ryoko's fine. She's actually still here in the room attached to my office."

Yamato audibly exhaled. "Oh, that's a relief. So what's the deal with the announcement?"

"It's Mado-san's doing," Kaze grumbled. "It's his latest tactic in the hunt for the daughter ghoul. He's trying to provoke a response from either her or an associate."

"I see… Well, take care man. Thanks for letting me know about this."

"I just hope that girl can stay safe. At the very least if I find her instead of anybody else, then I could possibly reunite her with her mother."

Yamato gave a small chuckle. "You're a good guy Kaze. Don't change. Bye."

"Bye."

With that, the conversation ceased and the chocolate-haired youth returned to completing his work.

(With Yamato):

The benign ghoul stepped away from the wall and resumed walking. He came to an abrupt stop barely a minute later when he chanced upon a strange scent. The only thing he could compare it to was Kaneki's, as though it was both human and ghoul intertwined. His enhanced hearing detected giggling coming from above. Raising his head, he was just in time to glimpse a petite figure move away from the edge of a rooftop and out of sight. His curiosity was piqued even more when he heard a whisper aimed for his ears only.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Dragon-san." The voice was feminine and had a childish lilt to it. Discreetly scanning his surroundings, Yamato started moving towards a nearby alleyway innocuously.

Safely away from any prying eyes, he quickly scaled up the wall. As he climbed over the roof's edge, he managed to witness a small, cloaked figure wave at him cheerily before turning and running over to another building. It was almost as if whoever it was wanted him to follow. He couldn't discern anything else about them due to the fact that they were wrapped up in bandages under the cloak.

Alarm blared in the back of Yamato's mind as he connected the marron cloak with what he'd heard of a group called Aogiri tree. They were particularly active in other wards. Moreover, Jason was a member of that group.

A scowl came across his features as he took out his mask and wore it. Whatever was going on here, it warranted further investigation.

(CCG HQ: Yuki and Ryoko's room):

Kaze had just given the pair of female ghouls an update on the current situation. Ryoko was understandably horrified at the tactics that Mado was using, as was Yuki.

"That's just cruel," the teenage ghoul remarked.

"I know," Kaze agreed. "Unfortunately, my hands are tied in this matter. I can't interfere. Mado-san seems to have some deep-rooted hatred for all ghouls, which is why he's being so persistent about this."

"He'll kill my daughter if he ever finds her," Ryoko mused sadly.

Kaze moved over to the woman's side and gently laid a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't go thinking such dark thoughts Ryoko-san. If we're lucky, maybe I'll be the one to run into her first. If so, then I can try bringing her under my protection here too."

She gave a small smile at his words. "Thank you Kaze. Although, I'd prefer that she doesn't encounter either of you. I mean no offence, but I wouldn't exactly wish for her to brought in to live here, despite how kind and pleasant you are."

"None taken," he assured cheerfully. "I understand completely."

The human teen discreetly pushed a small piece of paper into one of her hands. Ryoko glanced at it to see a message written in Kaze's handwriting. I have a friend who is a ghoul, and who may know your daughter or someone affiliated with her. I've told him about the truth of the situation. She carefully returned the paper to Kaze's hand, muttering a barely noticeable thanks.

(With Yamato):

The Dragon leaped over the gap between two buildings as he continued following the small, cloaked person. As he touched down on the newest roof, a rather sizable one at that, he noticed that his target had stopped moving and was now facing him, as if waiting for him to arrive.

"Hello Dragon-san," said the same, cheery and feminine voice from before. "I'm so glad that you could keep up."

Yamato tensed in preparation. Whoever this person was, they had to be strong if they could act so nonchalantly with him despite having never met him before. That, or they were insane. Neither was a good option. Plus, that strange scent of hers made him wary. "What does a member of Aogiri tree want with me?"

The girl feigned surprise. "Oh! You've heard of us! I feel so honoured! My name is Eto, and I'm something of a fan." When he didn't give her a response, she huffed like a child denied. "You're no fun."

"Playing around with a member of a terrorist organisation isn't exactly on my to-do list," Yamato countered evenly. "What do you want? Why were you trying to catch my attention and make contact with me?"

"I'm here to make an offer," she answered, suddenly serious. "It involves what happened recently too, the assassination attempt on that young dove."

To his credit, the Dragon made no outward reaction to the information. "How so?"

"He's starting to get the attention of some high operating people," Eto stated. "You as well. It's mostly to do with that little "Feeding Plan" of yours. To put things simply, that plan is a threat to the people pulling the strings. It could very well lead to peace and co-existence if allowed to develop."

Yamato clenched his fists. "And you're here to stop me?"

The hooded half ghoul shook her head. "No. The one's responsible for ordering that hit on Kurokumo-kun are known simply as "V". They have pretty much everyone in their pocket, dancing along to their tune. They don't wish for peace. They just want to continue this cycle and keep their power."

"I'm not so idealistic as to think that everyone will want to go along with the Feeding Plan," Yamato said seriously. "I know that I'll have to fight for this, to put my life on the line."

Eto twirled her hand nonchalantly. "That's nice, but it's pretty much you and your friend against the entire CCG and ghoul gangs, maybe the world in majority."

"Small steps. One thing at a time."

"That's were my offer comes in," cheered Eto. "I want you to join me in Aogiri."

"No," the redhead ghoul refused without even considering it.

Eto tilted her head. "Ara, are you sure? We could help you by providing manpower, in addition to more information on those who would get in the way. To be honest, I actually think this plan is beautiful, but I know how ugly this cruel world can be. I want to help you achieve that peace, so why not join and gather allies?"

"As I said before, I refuse to join a known terrorist organisation."

Eto giggled, however it somehow seemed sinister. "Even if I use force?"

The Dragon slipped into a ready stance. "You're welcome to try."

Ukaku wings burst out from Eto's back, prompting Yamato to do the same. Both combatants raced towards one another, swiping with their respective kagunes the moment they were in range. The two traded blows back and forth, neither able to gain the advantage.

Eto jumped back, leaving the Dragon to observe her warily. "Wow, you're actually pretty strong! Maybe I should take things a little more seriously~" As soon as those words left her mouth, more biomass emerged and began to wrap around her body. Yamato's eyes widened in shock as he realised what it was. The taboo power of a ghoul, brought by cannibalism. She was a kakuja.

He received another jolt when her armour finished forming. After all, she now bore an uncanny resemblance to someone who he knew and held in high regard. The manager of Anteiku. 'What the hell's going on here?' he thought whilst focusing on her new, larger form. His two rinkaku tentacles burst out from his lower back to help even the odds.

As though a silent signal had been given, the pair once again rushed towards each other. One of Eto's shoulder scythes swung for his head. Yamato parried it using his crystallised wing. He attempted to spear the one-eyed owl using his rinkaku, but she deflected it using her armoured forearm.

The two remained locked in a stalemate for a few seconds, until the Dragon planted his foot into Eto's gut and kicked her away. She moved along with the force of the blow, landing steadily as though she hadn't been harmed. Both of them launched a volley of shards from their wings.

Without waiting for his opponent to make a move, Yamato hopped to the side before lunging forward, both rinkakus intertwined and thrust out like a spear. The one-eyed owl blocked the attack using her kakuja blades. Thinking fast, the redhead ghoul jumped forward whilst twisting his body.

As he flew over Eto's head, he lashed out with his wing. She spun out of the way, but was still caught on the face, breaking part of her mask. She gave a giggle as it regenerated, then rushed him the moment he touched down.

Yamato bent backwards to evade the twin slashes aimed at his chest, coming from opposite directions. However, his opponent quickly followed up with hammer strike to the chest, knocking him down. Recovering quickly, the Dragon pushed against the floor using his twin tentacles, launching himself into the air like a spring. Along the way, he cut of half of one of Eto's wings using his own ukaku, as well as delivered a powerful hook to the side of her head.

Whilst airborne, he rained down a multitude of shards. Displaying impressive dexterity, Eto leaped back out of the way. She sent an attack of her own his way, utilising her good ukaku wing and the mostly healed one too. Yamato folded his wings in front of himself as a makeshift shield.

Upon feeling the impact of his enemy's ukaku impacting against his own, he launched a counterattack with his rinkaku tentacles. They were parried by the blades over the owl's shoulders, repeatedly, until the Dragon landed back down.

For a second, neither of them moved, silently assessing one another. Then, they leaped forward in sync. His rinkaku once again intertwined into the usual 'tail', Yamato reared the predatory organ back in preparation. Eto's kakuja scythes mirrored the motion.

The instant they came into each other's range, both combatants attacked. The rinkaku aimed at Eto's chest was partially deflected by one of her blades, instead impaling her stomach. On the other hand, the one-eyed owl's strike hit the redhead Dragon in his left shoulder. Their respective ukakus clashed once more.

Yamato gripped the weapon stabbed into his shoulder using his left hand and yanked it out with a growl. Withdrawing his rinkaku from Eto's gut, he proceeded to rapidly swing it and swat her away. The two of them remained as they were, silently healing up from their wounds.

Suddenly, Eto started laughing. The sound was oddly garbled yet still clearly discernable. "You really are strong!" she praised, flashing him a grotesque smile full of sharp fangs. "It's been a while since somebody gave me a challenge like this, I'm really enjoying it… So please, try not to die now, okay?" As soon as she finished her ominous request, her form began to ripple and grow. Yamato watched on in morbid fascination as she grew into a massive monster with multiple arms, a single massive ghoul eye and spiky protrusions along the back. She gave a twisted, high pitched laugh. "Nothing to say Dragon-san? Are you scared?"

To his credit, Yamato maintained his composure and calm air. "I'll admit that this isn't something you see very often, if at all. However, that doesn't mean I'm going to cower away from you." He slipped into a combat stance. "It just means that I'll have to take things a little more seriously from now on. I'm already unusual for being a hybrid, but even as far as hybrids go, I'm abnormal." A second pair of crystalized ukaku wings burst out just beneath his current ones, followed by two more rinkaku tentacles emerging to join his current two.

"Interesting," Eto noted. "So many kagunes… You just keep surprising me Dragon-san. Looks like this is going to be the most fun I've had in a long time!"

Yamato's eight kagunes flared and bristled. "This is where the real fight begins, Owl."

(Elsewhere in the 20th ward):

Amon stared on in shock as one of his colleagues was butchered right in front of him. The culprit was standing atop a pole not too far away. A young female ghoul wearing a white rabbit mask and what looked to be pink hair coming out of her hood. The muscular man cursed his lack of a quinque, or any weapon, to defend himself with.

Despite that, he stood strong and tried his best to prepare for the next assault. His other comrade was still alive after all, and Amon couldn't afford to kick the bucket just yet. There was still much he had to do.

As the unknown ghoul lunged towards them, she was unexpectedly smacked away by a large quinque. Amon's eyes widened when he recognised his elder partner walk into his sight. As usual, the man had a smile on his face.

"You can take a break now Amon-kun," said Mado, prepping his new, oversized weapon. "It seems as though I was right. This ghoul is here to take vengeance for the mother." His target didn't grace him with a reply. "An ukaku eh? No wonder your speed is impressive. Aren't you going to come down here and face me?" he taunted.

The Rabbit was about to move, but halted herself. She took a moment to regard his quinque, then the slight wound she'd received from it only moments ago. Without a word, she turned around and leaped away.

Mado's smirk grew a little. "Interesting. Are you a close friend of the daughter ghoul, or a family member? In the end, it hardly matters I suppose. We'll meet each other again, ukaku Rabbit."

(Anteiku):

It was early evening, and the humble coffee shop had long since closed. All the staff bar Irimi, Kouma and Yoshimura had taken their leave. They themselves were just tidying up a few things here and there.

"Could you please take this out the back Kaya-chan?" Yoshimura requested, holding a small plastic bag out to his female employee.

Irimi nodded in acceptance. "Of course manager."

The black-haired woman took hold of the bag and made her way towards the door. However, upon opening it and stepping out, she gave a loud gasp of shock.

"What is it?" asked Kouma worriedly as he and Yoshimura hastily joined her. They too made sounds of horrified surprise upon seeing what awaited them.

Lying down unconscious on the ground, was the battered and bloody form of Yamato. His clothing was torn up and tattered, caked with his own vitae. His black mask was on the floor next to his face, cracked and damaged. Finally, there was a note upon his body, absurdly clean and eye-catching.

With trembling fingers, Yoshimura bent down and retrieved the paper. The handwriting was neat and clear.

I have to say, this young man really is a strong one. He actually managed to give me quite the challenge despite being at such a disadvantage. Guess that's why people say to never underestimate a dragon. In the end, it wasn't enough for him to completely match me, but I'm deeply impressed nonetheless.

Fix him up, and once he's awake again, tell him that my offer still stands.

He'll know what I mean~

The aged ghoul quickly put the message away in his pocket. "Please help me bring Yamato-kun inside."

So, did you guys enjoy that? As usual, let me know your thoughts and comments in the reviews (seriously, it gives me motivation to continue when I see that people are enjoying this fic). Hopefully, I can get my life in some semblance of order, then updates can be a bit more regular.